On February 6 and 7, EBC met the partners of the Horizon Europe project BIO4EEB – BIO insulation materials for Enhancing the Energy performance of Buildings, in Naples. The meeting, hosted by the Italian companies SOPHIA High Tech and STARCELL, took stock of the progress made during the first two years of the project.
By using non-hazardous materials like the Posidonia seaweed and bio-based foams for insulation purposes, the goal of this research and innovation project is to support the increasing use of sustainable materials in renovation projects and address insulation material shortages. The meeting reviewed technical progress in the manufacturing of the bio-based insulation materials, discussed business models to reach construction professionals, and planned the upcoming demonstration activities in Italy, Spain, Lithuania and France.
The meeting was opened by the German coordinator 3L Architects, with discussions focusing on transitioning from material development to demonstration activities. In that context, the Spanish company AIMPLAS, a plastics technology centre, and the French international group Bouygues presented findings regarding the fire performance improvements brough to the bio-based insulation panels and their cost-effectiveness assessments. To ensure the solutions meet market needs, a dedicated session on exploitation strategies explored commercialisation options, emphasising regulatory alignment and industry uptake.
Participants had the opportunity to visit the SOPHIA High Tech’s premises, a leader in precision manufacturing for aerospace, automotive, and railway sectors with growing interest in the construction sector. The tour displayed their advanced testing infrastructure and production capabilities, highlighting synergies in material innovation with potential for application in new construction and renovation projects.
EBC plays a key role in aligning BIO4EEB’s progress with SME needs, ensuring that the insulation solutions developed are practical for small construction companies and meet industry and regulatory standards. Stay tuned for insights on the testing phase of these sustainable solutions!
 | For more information on BIO4EEB and to not miss out any updates, follow the project on LinkedIn and Twitter, or visit the project website |
 | BIO4EEB is co-funded by the European Community Horizon Europe Program for European Research and Technological Development (2023-2027) and has received funding from the European Union. |
